Eric Abidal has handed Barcelona a boost with the news that he has been included in their matchday squad for the trip to Celta Vigo.

The Frenchman has not played since February 2012, having undergone a liver transplant in April 2012.

Following on from returning to training in late 2012 and more recently being given the green light to return to competitive action, the defender’s return to match fitness has seemingly been confirmed with today’s news.

Barca are without a number of first team names for Saturday’s trip to Balaidos, with Carles Puyol, Jordi Alba, Adriano, Pedro Rodriguez and Xavi Hernandez all absent through injury and Victor Valdes suspended.